PORT MARIA, St Mary — Concerned about reports that low-priced marijuana is being sold to minors from inside the Highgate and Port Maria markets, chairman of the St Mary Ganja Growers’ and Producers’ Association Errol Haughton is seeking audience with the National Council on Drug Abuse (NCDA) and superintendent in charge of the parish Anthony Wallace.

Haughton wants to discuss the licensing process for distribution and get an understanding of the NCDA’s plans to educate members of the public, especially minors, about marijuana use.

“We are shocked and alarmed by these reports,” he said, reacting to a recent Jamaica Observer article.

NCDA parish coordinator Erica Bennett-Haughton had sounded an alarm that vendors are selling marijuana, mixed with other substances, at discounted prices to students. The goal is to convert them into repeat clients, according to Bennett-Haughton.

“The meeting with both entities is to provide more information on the licensing process for distribution [of what] will soon be a rescheduled substance to find out if what is described as a drug crisis in the parish refers substantially to ganja; and to find out what is the NCDA’s plan to educate the public – especially minors,” Haughton told the Observer.

The Cannabis Licensing Authority (CLA) is responsible for regulating the cannabis industry in Jamaica, including issuing licenses for cultivation, processing and distribution. The CLA also provides guidance on compliance with regulations and works with other agencies to ensure public safety.

Haughton highlighted that the NCDA receives monetary contributions from the CLA on a yearly basis and called for enhanced public education on adult use of cannabis.

The NCDA is working with St Mary Technical High School and other educational institutions in the parish on a “No Smoking, No Gambling” campaign to address substance abuse within schools.

When contacted, Superintendent Wallace told the Observer that as soon as the necessary investigation is done into the allegations of discounted ganja being sold in the markets, he will be able to comment on the issue.